Battery charger with retention arms

Abstract

A charger for rechargeable batteries has a pair of snap arms for retaining a battery within the pocket of the charger. When the battery is inserted into the charger pocket, the snap arms provide a downward force against the battery, thereby ensuring a sound electrical connection between the battery and electrical contacts disposed within the pocket. In one embodiment, the charger pocket includes a pair of channel apertures in which the snap arms are placed. Upon battery insertion, a flex member of the snap arm deflects, thereby allowing a mating feature of the battery to pass. When the battery is fully inserted, a coupling member of the snap arm exerts a force against the battery, thereby pushing the battery towards the bottom of the pocket.

1 . A battery charger, comprising: 
 a. at least one pocket having a bottom;    b. electrical contacts positioned within the at least one pocket; and    c. at least two non-conductive, cantilever arms coupled to the charger and extending towards the at least one pocket;    wherein when a battery is inserted into the at least one pocket, the at least two non-conductive, cantilever arms exert a force against the battery towards the bottom of the pocket.    
     
     
         2 . The charger of  claim 1 , wherein the charger further comprises a top surface, wherein the at least two non-conductive, cantilever arms project downward from the top surface at an angle between thirty and seventy degrees.  
     
     
         3 . The charger of  claim 1 , wherein the at least two non-conductive, cantilever arms project downward from the top surface at an angle of between forty-five and fifty-five degrees.  
     
     
         4 . The charger of  claim 1 , wherein the at least two non-conductive, cantilever arms each comprise a flex member and a coupling member.  
     
     
         5 . The charger of  claim 4 , wherein the coupling member projects from the flex member an angle of between 120 and 160 degrees.  
     
     
         6 . The charger of  claim 1 , wherein the pocket includes at least two apertures, wherein the at least two non-conductive, cantilever arms are disposed within the at least two apertures.  
     
     
         7 . The charger of  claim 6 , wherein the electrical contacts are disposed on the bottom of the pocket.  
     
     
         8 . The charger of  claim 7 , wherein the charger further comprises electrical circuitry for recharging the battery.  
     
     
         9 . The charger of  claim 8 , wherein the pocket further comprises guide rails disposed on at least one side of the pocket.  
     
     
         10 . A battery charger, comprising: 
 a. at least one pocket capable of accommodating a rechargeable battery;    b. electrically conductive contacts disposed within the at least one pocket; and    c. at least a pair of snap arms projecting towards a bottom portion of the at least one pocket;    wherein each of the at least a pair of snap arms comprise a flex member capable of actuating as a cantilever beam when the rechargeable battery is inserted into the at least one pocket.    
     
     
         11 . The charger of  claim 10 , wherein the at least a pair of snap arms are manufactured from plastic.  
     
     
         12 . The charger of  claim 11 , wherein the charger further comprises a top surface, wherein the at least a pair of snap arms project downward from the top surface at an angle between thirty and seventy degrees.  
     
     
         13 . The charger of  claim 12 , wherein the at least a pair of snap arms project downward from the top surface at an angle of between forty-five and fifty-five degrees.  
     
     
         14 . The charger of  claim 13 , wherein the at least a pair of snap arms each comprise a flex member and a coupling member.  
     
     
         15 . The charger of  claim 14 , wherein when the rechargeable battery is inserted into the at least one pocket, the at least a pair of snap arms exert a force against the rechargeable battery towards the bottom portion of the at least one pocket.  
     
     
         16 . The charger of  claim 15 , wherein the pocket includes at least two channel apertures, wherein the at least a pair of snap arms are disposed within the at least two channel apertures.  
     
     
         17 . The charger of  claim 8 , wherein the pocket further comprises guide rails disposed on at least one side of the pocket.